Beyond the Gates

Nature Ranger & The Magic Tiger Stone - a new book by Wolfe Burnell has been published on Amazon!

Wolfe Burnell from 3/4M is excited to share some big news with the school...

He has co-written a book with his Dad and it's been published on Amazon!

📚 🧭 What’s it about?

When a mysterious tremor hits Australia’s Magnetic Island, 12-year-old Alex Turner discovers a glowing flower, a magical stone, and a destiny he never expected. Suddenly gifted with the powers of nature and the claws of a tiger, Alex becomes the island’s Nature Ranger. 

But when poachers threaten an endangered Wallaby, he must spring into action and protect the wild… using pollen storms, tiger strength, and a little help from his fearless Granny Gwen. Can one kid save an entire island? 

Perfect for readers 7-10 years old who love action, animals, and magic, Nature Ranger & The Magic Tiger Stone is the start of a new adventure series where nature is the real hero.

💡🛠️ 📖 ❤️ A bit of backstory...

Wolfe's book has been a 2 year journey. Wolfe and his Dad have spent countless hours dreaming up the story, developing the characters, writing and rewriting scenes (a lot!), and working with AI and photoshop to bring illustrations to life - all to make this something special. They have even spent some time working with an elder on Yunbenun / Magnetic Island to make sure they have their Indigenous references correct and respectful to its first peoples

👉 Nature Ranger & The Magic Tiger Stone on Amazon 👈

If you'd like to support Wolfe and grab a copy, he'd love to hear what you think! Reviews on Amazon make a big difference in helping new books reach readers. Even a short sentence or two is super helpful, and Wolfe would be grateful knowing it’s out there being read, enjoyed and shared. ❤️

Also feel free to share the book and Amazon link with your family and friends! It would be a great Christmas gift 😉

Edinburgh Elms Need our Help

When our family moved into the neighbourhood almost a year ago, one reason was the beautiful greenspaces nearby–Curtain Square and Edinburgh Gardens. In fact, I often happily run into many of your families in those exact spaces. 

I recently learned that the Council approved the demolition of three big beautiful Elms in the Gardens to make room for more tennis courts. Trees that have been standing for over one-hundred and forty years. After feverishly binge-watching the Council meeting on YouTube and conducting various online research, I sank. The decision had been made last December, a month before our move, so I was, sadly, late to the party. When I turned to our two kiddos to relay the unfortunate news, one asked if it was too late. The other perked up and chuckled, “Of course not. It’s only too late once they’ve been cut down.”

I am not saying the tennis club should not expand. (I’ve been playing tennis with love nearly all my life.) I am saying that maybe the next person, or club, will only need three more trees. And the next after them. And then maybe the next, too. I’m saying that children remind us we can do the seemingly impossible things that we as adults on our own might have already given up on.

If you feel so inclined, please contact your Council Member, Heritage Victoria (who has not yet approved the permit), or Fitzroy Tennis Club. Or maybe just go have a sit in their shade. It may not be there much longer.

With gratitude,

Christine Stocke

A Concerned but Hopeful Fellow Parent

We’re developing a Waste and Recycling Strategy! | Your Say Yarra

Waste and recycling are important to everyone. With rising costs and global challenges, it’s time to rethink how we manage waste sustainably. 

The waste industry is changing rapidly across the world, and the cost of managing waste is increasing every year. Every Council is facing the same challenge, and as a community we will need to make some decisions to ensure our waste services remain sustainable for the future.

Tell us what matters to you and help us to develop a strategy by completing the online survey before 9am on Monday 8 December 2025. You can also join us at one of our pop-up events, where you can speak to us in person, ask questions and provide your feedback.

Collingwood All Stars – Summer School Holiday Program (Jan 12–22)

Hi Parents, time to plan ahead....

We’re excited to announce that our Collingwood All Stars Summer School Holiday Program is back this January! This is a great opportunity for players to stay active over the break, build confidence, and continue developing their basketball skills in a fun, supportive environment.

 Program Dates:

January 12th – January 22nd

Across the two weeks, we’ll be offering a range of clinics suitable for all ages and abilities, including:

• Beginners Sessions
• Domestic Skills Clinics
• All-Girls Sessions
• Defensive Clinics
• BMB Advanced Skills Camps

All sessions are run by our experienced coaching team and are designed to help every athlete improve their fundamentals, decision-making, and on-court IQ.

To view the full schedule and register, you can just scan the QR code on the flyer or use the link provided.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We hope to see your child on court with us these holidays!

Summer Holiday registration link: https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/168632